Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand has arrived at a key point in its pandemic response, with today’s first vaccinations of border workers. “Today’s vaccinations reinforce the value of what we’ve all been doing for the past 12 months to keep COVID-19 at bay,” Dr Bloomfield said in addressing a media conference in Auckland marking the vaccinations. “Vaccination of our hard working and dedicated border staff marks a significant step forward – a milestone that protects those at highest risk of getting the virus and helps to reduce the risk of it spreading into the community. “Yesterday, 29 vaccinators here in Auckland completed a week of preparations, by receiving the first COVID-19 vaccines.